Galerie Vivienne: A Hidden Gem Worth That is Worth the Visit

One of the most visited cities in the entire world, Paris has much to offer in terms of attractions and points of interest. Of course, there is the famed Eiffel Tower and Arc de Triomphe. There is also the Louvre, which can eat up your whole day if you want to see as many works of art as possible. 

However, there is also much to discover and enjoy while simply walking around the city. There is a high chance that you will stumble upon something you've never heard of. 

That something can be one of Paris' many covered passages, which can be found in different parts of the cities. An early form of a shopping arcade, these covered passages used to be more than 100 in number. Today, there only 25 left that have not been demolished. 

Galerie Vivienne: Paris' Awe-inspiring Covered Passage

One of these covered passages is known as Galerie Vivienne. This writer and her husband stumbled upon it by chance while in the second arrondissement, and it's a very happy accident. 

It can be a blink-and-you-miss-it moment, especially if you have an intended destination in mind you are eager to get to. However, should you head to Galerie Vivienne, whether intentionally or not, you will find yourself marveling at just how beautiful and luxurious it looks. 

Built in 1823, it was initially named Marchoux after the President of the Chamber of Notaries who had it built. Designed in the neo-classical Pompeian style by architect François-Jean Delannoy, you will find an abudant mosaics when you stroll through the passage. Mosaics also feature greatly in its design, which is a delight to see by anyone who enjoys them. 

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A Luxury, Historical Shopping Arcade

While more and more people associate shopping in Paris to Champs-Élysées and Galeries Lafayette, Galerie Vivienne is still worth a visit for a shopping trip. Among the stores that you can shop from, as of writing, are Louvreuse, La Marelle, Binet-Papillon Parfums, and Catherine André. 

Dining options are likewise available, such as Daroco, Le Valentin, and Bistrot Vivienne. 

Galerie Vivienne is not your ordinary shopping arcade. It was declared a historical monument in the 1970s, and a marker outside to commemorate the declaration can be found. 

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